The Rumpelgeist

by Fiona McIntosh

  Wren shook his head, dismissively. ‘Grendel doesn’t do favours for anyone. He hasn’t got a sympathetic bone in his body!’

  ‘We have come prepared,’ Lex said. ‘We have something Grendel wants.’

  ‘You’re wasting your time. There is nothing you can possibly –’ Wren started to say.

  ‘We’ll see about that,’ Lex interrupted. ‘I wager Grendel will be interested in what we have brought. And if you help me to convince him, Wren, I promise I will do my best to free you.’

  ‘No one can help me,’ the sprite said, bitterly.

  ‘I can. I will help you and Starling to escape,’ Lex insisted.

  They heard the sorcerer push his chair back, scraping its feet against the earthen floor. It fell over with a loud clatter.

  ‘Someone approaches the cottage,’ Grendel said, appearing in the doorway of the storage room.

  Wren glanced at Lex. ‘That’s not possible, Master,’ Wren said, flying quickly to Grendel’s shoulder. ‘No one knows where you live.’

  ‘Go out and see!’ the wizard ordered. ‘I will add more length to your bindings. But be quick and silent! Oh, and Wren?’

  ‘Yes, Master,’ the sprite replied, distracted.

  ‘Remember who you belong to. If you even think about trying to escape, I will punish you. We do understand one another, don’t we?’ Grendel threatened.

  ‘Always, Master.’

  ‘Go,’ Grendel commanded.

  Lex watched as Wren’s bindings began to lengthen, permitting the sprite to go beyond the cottage door. He heard the sprite sigh softly as he flew out into the sunlight.

  Wren obviously craves freedom, Lex thought. I wonder if he craves it enough to risk disobeying Grendel.

  Lex turned his attention back to the sorcerer and was fascinated to see him tipping the liquid contents of a vial into his mouth. Grendel pulled a sour face as the liquid slid down his throat. He tapped his chest and paused before letting out a belch and a groan.

  Lex looked on, wide-eyed, as Grendel’s features began to rearrange themselves. His skin was pulling itself taut and, in doing so, his eyes and mouth, even his hooked nose, began to realign themselves. Wrinkles smoothed out, his frown disappeared, and the formerly hooded eyes appeared more open. Even his mouth seemed to widen. Lex watched as the wizard’s neck became less droopy and the blemishes disappeared from his skin. While he felt repulsed by the dark magic at work, he couldn’t tear his gaze away from the wizard’s transformation.

  Wren flew back into the cottage in high excitement. ‘Master Grendel!’ the sprite said, his tiny face flushed.

  ‘Well?’ demanded the younger and far more handsome sorcerer.

  ‘You’re not going to believe it,’ the sprite gasped.

  ‘Try me,’ Grendel scowled. ‘And make haste. I sense the stranger is close.’

  ‘Strangers,’ Wren corrected. ‘There are three, possibly four. There’s a young woman and a fine man. Well, sort of a man,’ the sprite said, coyly.

  Grendel grabbed at the bindings and pulled Wren further into the cottage. ‘Sort of?’ the wizard said. ‘Don’t play games with me, sprite.’

  Wren shrank back. ‘I wasn’t being tricky, Master Grendel. I simply meant he’s not entirely all man. It is a centaur, Master.’

  Grendel stared at the sprite with incomprehension. He swallowed hungrily. ‘Are you sure?’

  ‘I am certain, Master,’ Wren said. ‘He is a fine beast.’

  ‘And he walks with a girl, you say?’

  ‘No, Master. He does not walk with her. He is being led by her.’

  ‘Led?’ Grendel echoed.

  ‘By a rope,’ Wren chuckled.

  ‘He is her prisoner?’ Grendel said, incredulous.

  ‘It looks that way.’

  ‘And the others?’ Grendel demanded.

  ‘There is a boy who looks gravely ill. He is carried by the centaur,’ Wren answered.

  ‘Aha,’ Grendel said. ‘Now we get to it. Perhaps it is this third one who brings them to us. The girl leads the centaur, who in turn carries the injured one. How intriguing. We shall see what they have to say.’

  ‘I thought you might say that, Master.’

  ‘Did you say four strangers?’ Grendel asked.

  Wren paused.

  ‘Please, Wren,’ Lex called from near by. ‘Protect me and I will free you. I give you my word.’

  ‘Can I trust you, though?’ Wren responded.

  ‘What?’ Grendel said. ‘Trust? What’s that got to do with anything?’

  ‘You can trust me,’ Lex said, desperately. ‘We are both prisoners. We both have reason to hate Grendel and Grevilya.’

  Wren considered Lex’s promise.

  ‘Are you going mad?’ Grendel asked, poking the sprite unkindly in the chest.

  Wren shook his head as if confused. ‘Forgive me, Master. What I meant to say was that I don’t trust my judgment about the fourth person. I think I may have imagined that.’

  Grendel batted him away.

  ‘Thank you, Wren,’ Lex whispered.

  ‘I haven’t made up my mind, yet,’ Wren hissed in a low breath, as he flew past Lex.

  18

  Davren was first to reach the narrow opening in the craggy walls of the rockface. ‘Ready?’

  ‘I don’t see how this plan is going to work. The closer I get to Grendel, the less confident I feel,’ said Ellin.

  ‘Grendel is my problem,’ Davren replied softly.

  She sighed. ‘If he’s such a mighty sorcerer he must already know we’re here.’

  ‘Yes, I imagine he does. But we have Lex inside watching his every move. You must stop worrying.’

  ‘Stop worrying?’ she queried, sounding incredulous. ‘I’m leading you to potential death, certain imprisonment and with no guarantee that Flynn will recover or that I’ll escape and you say stop worrying?’

  Davren stared at her and his silence made her feel small. He was like Pilo. He didn’t have to say anything to admonish her.

  ‘I’m worried because I care about you and Flynn,’ she finally said, unable to hide her embarrassment.

  ‘And it’s because I care that I want to do this – it is my decision. Not yours,’ Davren replied evenly. ‘I care about Drestonia and its king, who has been kind to me and my friends. I love your aunt Tess and she has brought a new child into the world who must be protected from people like Grendel and Grevilya. And think of all those frightened children imprisoned by the witch. A lot of people’s lives are at stake. Be brave, Ellin, and do what you must.’

  She nodded, set her jaw firmly and followed him into the gap between the rocks.

  Lex was waiting outside when Ellin and Davren emerged through the small opening and into the natural amphitheatre. The sorcerer swept past him, heedless, while Wren remained hidden.

  ‘Visitors!’ Grendel gushed, his voice bright and surprised.

  Lex was at Ellin’s side in a heartbeat, forgetting that she could hear him across the room. ‘He sensed your arrival a while ago and sent the sprite out to spy on you,’ he said, in a rush. ‘Grendel still doesn’t know about me, but the sprite does. Grendel has taken Mistress Teal’s potion to make himself appear young and attractive.’

  Ellin gave no outward acknowledgement of what Lex had told her, but he heard her murmur the news to Davren, whose face also remained blank.

  ‘Lo strike me down! A centaur!’ Grendel exclaimed, feigning shock. He clasped his hands together theatrically. ‘I’ve heard rumours, but I hardly believed such a beautiful creature really existed.’ He moved down the steps. ‘My dear,’ he said to Ellin, ‘I have no idea how you found me, but I’m looking forward to finding out. Is the creature tame?’

  ‘Master Grendel,’ Ellin said, bowing her head courteously.

  ‘Stars!’ Grendel continued, still feigning surprise. ‘Is that young man unconscious?’

  ‘This is the Duke Flynn Jolien. He is alive, but –’ Ellin began.

  ‘Perilously close to
death,’ Grendel finished for her.

  ‘Yes, Master Grendel. That’s why we are here,’ Ellin said. ‘We need your help to save him.’

  ‘What makes you think I can do that?’ Grendel asked, frowning at her. ‘I am no physic. And surely you haven’t wasted your time coming here to see me before you consulted one.’

  ‘No physic can help him,’ Ellin answered.

  ‘That doesn’t explain why you have come to me.’

  ‘Don’t play his game, Your Highness,’ Lex warned. ‘You must take control.’

  Wren appeared by Grendel’s side.

  Ellin gasped. ‘Oh, what’s that?’ she said, despite knowing full well, although Lex could tell she was genuinely fascinated.

  Grendel allowed Wren to settle on his shoulder. ‘This, my dear, is my assistant. He is a sprite and probably springs from the same curious mythical background as your centaur.’

  ‘He is lovely, indeed,’ she breathed.

  ‘As is your centaur. Why have you brought him here?’

  ‘My name is Ellin,’ she answered. ‘The centaur was given sanctuary by my father many years ago. I bring him as barter for your healing magic.’

  Grendel ignored Ellin and instead addressed Wren. ‘What do you think, sprite, is she telling the truth?’

  ‘She tells the truth, Master. You know how sharp I am at perceiving guile. I would know. She has learned that you are a great sorcerer, clearly,’ Wren said.

  ‘Hmmm. That aside, no centaur would willingly come here. I mean, why leave the sanctuary of safety and anonymity?’ Grendel queried.

  ‘Because her father will kill my fellow creatures if I don’t submit to his wishes,’ Davren answered.

  Both gazes of sorcerer and sprite shifted to the centaur and Lex could see only hunger in Grendel’s eyes.

  ‘I see. Do you have a name?’ Grendel asked.

  ‘Not one I will share with you,’ Davren replied, evenly.

  ‘Master Grendel,’ Ellin interjected. ‘There is little time. My companion needs urgent care. Are you going to help us?’

  ‘Who is the youth?’ Grendel demanded.

  ‘He is a noble at my father’s court. He is –’

  ‘Wait! Your father’s court?’

  She nodded. They’d all known it would come to this. Her royal status could not be hidden.

  ‘You are the Crown Princess?’

  ‘Yes,’ she said, ‘I am Princess Ellin of Drestonia.’

  Grendel clapped. ‘My, my. That does change things,’ he said. ‘I’m surprised you were permitted to come here without the protection of an army of soldiers.’

  ‘They are not so far away,’ she lied.

  Clever, Ellin, Lex thought.

  ‘But I was warned that you are a most private person, Master Grendel, and we respect that. I came in just with the centaur and Duke Jolien to show we mean no harm, only a fair exchange.’

  Lex was impressed. Ellin was doing a good job of not showing any guile.

  Grendel stroked his now clean-shaven chin. ‘Why do I sense a trap here, Your Highness?’ he said, his tone dry and not nearly as deferential as the use of her title suggested.

  ‘There is no trap,’ Ellin protested. ‘This is a straight swap. Something you want for something we want.’

  Grendel considered this, pausing for several moments. ‘Why don’t you come inside?’ he said, eventually.

  Grendel cast a small gesture over Flynn and muttered what appeared to be a spell. Flynn’s body rose and moved effortlessly through the air and into the cottage.

  ‘After you,’ Grendel said to Ellin. ‘I’ll trust your centaur to remain where he is.’

  Lex followed Ellin inside. Flynn was now laid out on Grendel’s workbench, which Wren had cleared of its clutter.

  ‘So you’d better tell me who sent you here?’ Grendel asked, bending over Flynn and ignoring further protocol.

  Ellin hesitated. ‘It was a man by the name of Pilo,’ she finally answered.

  ‘Pilo?’ Grendel replied with fresh interest. ‘Well, well. He was wise not to come here himself. Although I did find him to be a most interesting man,’ the wizard added, staring into Flynn’s unseeing eyes. ‘I gave your friend Pilo something precious.’

  ‘The Whistle,’ Ellin said. Lex noticed she’d hidden it beneath her clothes.

  ‘Ah, so you know of it. That contains some of my most powerful magic,’ Grendel boasted.

  ‘It’s very beautiful,’ Ellin agreed.

  Grendel frowned. ‘What I wouldn’t give to see it again,’ he said.

  ‘I’m surprised you remember it,’ Ellin commented. ‘It has been many years since you made it.’

  ‘I remember all my magic,’ he answered, his fingertips on Flynn’s temples. ‘I don’t like to give it away.’

  ‘But what about all these potions and spells?’ she said, looking around.

  ‘Oh, any decent warlock can dabble in potions. That Whistle was different. It was tailored just to Pilo and for one specific end. It was what you might call a perfect magic.’ He looked at her. ‘I can restore this boy to full health,’ he added, matter-of-factly.

  Lex held his breath and saw that Ellin nearly choked on the relief that cluttered her words. ‘Really? And will you?’ She looked on as Grendel began to utter strange words.

  After what felt like an eternity but was only moments, Flynn groaned and slowly began to stir. He raised a trembling hand to his eyes and rubbed them softly.

  ‘Princess Ellin?’ he said, bewildered.

  ‘Flynn!’ Ellin said, over helpless tears. ‘You’re safe,’ she whispered.

  ‘L–’ Flynn began, but Lex instantly shook his head and gestured wildly to indicate that Flynn should not acknowledge his presence.

  ‘Your Highness!’ Lex warned.

  ‘I don’t think Master Grendel wants you to say anything yet, Flynn,’ Ellin said, choosing her words carefully.

  ‘What do you mean?’ Grendel asked, perplexed.

  ‘Er, I didn’t imagine you’d want him talking so soon, Master Grendel,’ she replied, sliding a warning glance at Flynn, who was beginning to get even more colour back into his cheeks. She could see the light sprinkling of freckles again.

  ‘He is already brightening, as you can see,’ Grendel said. ‘I don’t care if he talks.’

  ‘Where am I?’ Flynn interrupted, easing himself off the table, looking perfectly well again, if just slightly groggy from the long sleep.

  Grendel sighed. ‘Your princess can explain it to you at a later date. But now it is time for her to keep her side of the bargain.’

  Before Ellin could speak, Davren’s soft footfall was heard at the door, his presence no doubt urged by Lex.

  ‘Welcome back, Lord Jolien,’ Davren said, smiling. ‘It is a pleasure to meet you.’

  Flynn stared at the centaur, speechless.

  Grendel made an impatient clicking sound with his tongue. ‘I don’t have time to stand around listening to your chatter. Wren will show you out. The centaur will remain behind, as agreed. I have no desire to entertain royalty or nobles.’

  ‘Let’s go!’ Lex said to Ellin, while beckoning to Flynn.

  ‘Wait!’ Ellin shouted, looking around.

  ‘Wait?’ Grendel queried. ‘Whatever for?’

  ‘Er, Master Grendel,’ Ellin began. ‘I can’t leave the centaur with you, after all.’

  Grendel smiled indulgently as though he’d already anticipated this and was relishing the challenge. ‘Is that so? Yet you will admit we had a deal and that I have kept my part of it?’

  ‘That is correct,’ Ellin said, ‘but I think I can offer you something you will value even more than the centaur.’

  ‘What are you doing, Highness?’ Lex said, desperately. ‘He’s letting us go. We should run now while we can.’

  ‘No. I’m not going without the centaur,’ she said for Lex’s benefit.

  But it was Grendel who responded. ‘Yes, I’m gathering that,’ he said. ‘But I really can’t im
agine, Princess Ellin, what you can possibly offer to tempt me to engage in another bargain with you.’

  ‘This!’ Ellin said, reaching for the Whistle that was tied around her neck by a ribbon and hidden beneath her shirt.

  19

  Grendel’s eyes widened. ‘My Whistle,’ he breathed hungrily, genuinely impressed.

  ‘He sounds surprised,’ Lex said to Wren, who was fluttering near by. ‘I thought he would know she wore it.’

  Wren shook his head. ‘He’s told me about that Whistle. He prizes it. But when he made the bargain, the man called Pilo insisted that the magic belong to him alone. He was wise to do so. It meant that Grendel could no longer lay claim to it, not even sense it. He gave up the magic completely and has regretted it ever since.’

  ‘Why did he make the bargain?’

  ‘He wanted to possess Pilo’s body entirely. As you see, all he can do is weave spells to change his appearance but if he could own a different man’s body, control it, walk within it … That is his great desire.’

  Lex returned his attention to the standoff between the Princess and the sorcerer.

  ‘No, Grendel,’ she was saying reasonably. ‘It’s my Whistle, which Pilo gave to my father and my father gave to me.’

  ‘May I hold it?’ Grendel asked and Lex could see how greedily he wanted to touch it again. Ellin had been cunning.

  ‘No,’ Ellin and Davren said together. ‘You may not,’ she added, ‘until you’ve won it back, of course. And once you do, you must let us leave with the centaur.’

  ‘And how can I win it back?’ Grendel asked, moving out from behind his bench, without taking his eyes from the Whistle.

  ‘Er … well, let me see,’ Ellin said, stalling for time.

  Davren gave her a look of mild exasperation. Lex could see that, like him, the centaur had no idea what sort of trick the Princess might have up her sleeve – if any. He had to help.

  ‘Tell him you’ll recite the spell from any of his parchments. He can choose which, so long as they’re unrolled,’ said Lex, who had now accepted that Ellin wasn’t going to leave without Davren.